Part nature walk, part historical walking tour and part beach clean-up, Saturday's mo.rning stroll down Long Beach and up the Centerville River, as part of the Cape Cod Pathways spring "Walking Weekends," attracted a dozen individuals and one dog, from Barnstable to Brewster, all looking to learn about this exquisite barrier beach.

Led by Fred Stepanis of the town's conservation department and Christopher Babcock, a Centerville resident and member of the Barnstable Land Trust's board of directors, the group gained insight into the fine balance that exists between development and conservation. Babcock pointed out the progression of residential building along the beach, noting homes of interest, such as those built by the renowned Boston and Osterville architect John Barnard, while Stepanis noted the importance of maintaining natural features, such as the American beach grass that acts as a deterrent to erosion.

A recent addition that had been built upon pilings so as "not to impede nature's intent," as Babcock described it, reflects attempts to find a balance between man's desires and the need for conservation. Perhaps the best example, however, was the beach re-nourishment project that took place about 10 years ago. Due to natural erosion, the beach had been depleted to about 10 feet and the shoal at the confluence of the Centerville River and East Bay had built up so much deposit that it had become an impediment to navigation. Dredging served as the answer to both issues.

As the group walked down the beach, imposing signs put up by property owners made it clear that this section of the beach was private except for "fishing, fowling and navigation." Beyond these houses lay the beauty of the undeveloped barrier beach, so designated because it is flanked by the ocean on one side and the river on the other. This is also a series of private beaches, owned by the homeowners on the opposite side of the river. Thanks to their generosity, however, the public has been allowed to walk and enjoy this exquisite strip of sand and grass that leads to the inlet of East Bay.

While exploring and discussing conservation, it seemed natural for the group to pick up any garbage along the way. Although the beach was relatively clean, there were still wrappers, bottles, and a tire, which Jim Mills of Brewster carried for at least a mile. Collecting garbage on these walks is not unusual for Stepanis as he has, for the past three years, coordinated the Coast Sweep Beach clean-up, part of an international beach cleaning campaign done by the Ocean Conservancy typically during the third week of September.

The rounding of the point that looks out to Dowse's Beach signaled the return down the Centerville River, a walk that offered a completely different experience. The flow of the exiting tide was apparent and fiddler crabs scrambled into their holes as they felt the tremor of approaching footsteps. A dead tree, referred to as a "snag" and a habitat for nesting and perching birds, emerged from the dune grass and farther down the trail some hikers thought they saw a magnolia tree. The large blooms, they discovered, were in fact conch shells that locals have threaded onto the delicate limbs over many years.

Andrea Seddon, in charge of outreach and Ssewardship for the Barnstable Land Trust, commented on the importance of these walks. "It is one of the most popular recreation areas in Centerville and it is our way of getting people out and educating them about what is going on here," she said. "Chris (Babcock) is great for reminding us about the importance of balancing the needs of man and nature."

Underneath the blue skies of a sunlit morning, the walkers couldn't imagine a better way to spend their time.